Speaker, the African Union has, since its inception in 2002, made important strides towards the goal of establishing an African Economic Community as outlined in the Abuja Treaty. However, as the African Union continues to grow as a continental entity, a number of challenges remain, particularly with respect to peace and security, regional integration, development and economic growth. Some of these relate to the African Union's institutional architecture and capacity constraints. Decisions of the African Union Assembly are often not implemented timeously. It often takes a long time for treaties to be ratified by member states.
There are also challenges around the mandate of the African Union Commission, especially the implications of transforming the African Union Commission into the African Union Authority. The financing of African Union activities and nonpayment of contributions by some member states limit its capacity to undertake its work. Peace missions in Africa often face challenges relating to funding and capacity.
During its tenure in the UN Security Council, South Africa advocated the need to strengthen and enhance the relationship between the United Nations and regional organisations such as the African Union. Despite a UN Security Council resolution, the African Union continues to struggle for funding from its own resources to intervene in the continent's conflicts.
The attainment of democracy in all parts of Africa is an important African Union goal. In this regard, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance marks the culmination of commitments that have been collectively taken by African member states over the last two decades. It provides a consolidated point of reference for all African Union efforts to enhance the overall state of democracy, elections and governance across Africa.
The pace of regional integration on the continent is uneven. Within the eight regional economic communities, protocols and programmes are often not harmonised. Some countries are members of more than one regional economic community. There is also a disjuncture between the integration processes underway in the regional economic communities and the accelerated momentum given to the union government process. In other words, the political integration process is not sufficiently aligned to the economic process.
Development is hampered by the low levels of intra-Africa trade and the lack of cross-border infrastructure. Poverty and unemployment, exacerbated by the global economic downturn, continue to undermine development. This is compounded by food and energy insecurity, the impact of HIV and Aids, malaria and tuberculosis and low levels of education.
The Pan-African Parliament similarly faces challenges around its institutional and financial architecture. These challenges are not unique to a structure of this magnitude that is still in its infancy. There is a need to improve the working relationship between the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament. Since the election of the new Bureau of the Parliament, the relations are on the mend.
Another challenge is the absence of terms of reference to guide the review of the protocol establishing the Parliament. These are important for guiding the transformation of the institution from an advisory body to a legislative structure elected by universal adult suffrage. Since the African Union is yet to make a final determination on this matter, it is difficult for the Parliament to chart its way forward. The Parliament's lack of enforcement powers, its inability to ensure that its recommendations and resolutions are binding, reduces its capacity to contribute to peace, development, democracy and economic growth.
Despite these challenges, the organs of the African Union continue to play a critical role in advancing the renewal of the African continent. Much progress has been made since their establishment in forging African unity and developing a common vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous continent.
As South Africa, we must undertake to work with our fellow Africans to overcome these challenges and ensure that the African Union and Pan-African Parliament realise the expectations of the people of this continent. I thank you. [Applause.]